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Designer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings, and advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, floor and wall coverings, interior and exterior lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards
Interest in precision working with equipment to prepare plans and specifications for final interior designs in accordance with current practices and codes; and to estimate costs and materials required
Interest in consulting with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space; may advise on leasing, real estate and marketing
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interior designers plan new interiors and renovate existing ones in single- and multi-family dwellings and in commercial buildings such as offices, institutions, stores, hotels and restaurants. Responsibilities vary from one position or project to another but, in general, interior designers:
Interior designers co-ordinate their work with other professionals and work closely with general contractors to ensure that their drawings are interpreted correctly. They may co-ordinate the activities of trades (such as painters and carpenters) when there is no general contractor.
Interior designers are concerned with general and detailed planning, spatial arrangements, health and safety issues, detailing, constructability and technical considerations (for example, lighting and acoustics), as well as the aesthetics of a space. They are more involved with technical considerations than interior decorators are. Decorators focus on the ornamental and moveable aspects of interiors (colour, furniture, rugs, drapery) and fixed details (such as moldings) that easily can be added to an existing space. For more information, see the Interior Decorator occupational profile.
Working conditions vary considerably. Interior designers frequently meet with clients, other consultants and contractors in clients’ workplaces and homes, in interior design offices, in consultants’ offices and at worksites. Work hours are sometimes long or irregular, and may include weekends and evenings.
Interior designers need:
They should enjoy synthesizing information to develop plans and design concepts, taking a methodical approach to work requiring precision, and working with people.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 18 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and May 20, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Create interior spaces that reflect clients' needs and tastes | 17 |
|---|---|
| Consult with clients to determine needs, preferences, safety requirements and purpose of space | 17 |
| Advise on selection of colours, finishes and materials, lighting, furniture and other items, taking into account ergonomic and occupational health standards | 17 |
| Develop plans, elevations, cross sections and detailed drawings | 16 |
| Estimate cost of projects and prepare detailed specifications | 14 |
| Develop detailed plans and 3-D models showing arrangement of walls, dividers, displays, lighting and other fixtures | 14 |
| Personal Suitability: Effective interpersonal skills | 13 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 13 |
| Computer Experience: AutoCAD | 13 |
| Area of Specialization: Interior design (general) | 11 |
There are no standard educational requirements for interior designers in Alberta. However, to be licensed by the Alberta Association of Architects, interior designers must have a degree in interior design plus related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Some post-secondary schools offer 2-year interior design diploma programs which are not accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Graduates of these programs are not eligible for professional registration without further education and a longer period of work experience. Visit the CIDA website for a list of accredited programs in Canada.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Architects design building projects and advise clients regarding building projects. They prepare programs, sketches and cost estimates, produce scale construction drawings, write specifications and review on-site construction work.
Under Alberta's Architects Act and Architects Act General Regulation, you must be registered with the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) to practice as an Architect and use the title Architect. If you are not registered with AAA, you may work under the supervision of a registered architect. Licensed interior designers and restricted practitioners may practice architecture on projects of limited scope with AAA approval.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Architect.
Interior designers create and enhance interior spaces to improve quality of life, increase productivity and protect public health, safety and welfare.
Under Alberta's Architects Act [pdf] and Architects Act General Regulation [pdf], the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) oversees interior designer certification, which entitles designers to practise a portion of the scope of practice defined in the Architects Act and Regulation. You do not have to be registered if you do not practise as or use the title Licensed Interior Designer.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Interior Designer.
Interior designers are employed by:
Graduates of recognized 4-year degree programs usually begin work in interior design firms or architectural firms, or in the planning departments of corporations or institutions. Graduates of 2-year diploma programs are often employed by home builders, kitchen and bath manufacturers, or flooring companies, or as assistants in interior design firms or architectural firms. Some are employed in retail sales positions (see the Interior Decorator occupational profile) or in technical sales positions with commercial suppliers (see the Technical Sales Representative occupational profile). Experience gained in sales positions may not be eligible for credit toward professional accreditation.
In Alberta, 77% of people employed as interior designers work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5242: Interior designers and interior decorators occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.3% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $17.31 | $30.77 | $23.26 | $23.08 |
| Overall | $23.54 | $44.71 | $31.29 | $32.62 |
| Top | $25.96 | $53.85 | $41.41 | $39.32 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | $66,820 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $62,883 |
| Construction | $58,745 |
| Manufacturing | $55,888 |
Alberta Association of Architects (AAA) website: www.aaa.ab.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) website: www.accredit-id.org
Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ) website: www.cidq.org
Decorators and Designers Association of Canada (DDA Canada) website: ddacanada.com
Interior Designers of Alberta (IDA) website: www.idalberta.ca
Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) website: www.idcanada.org
National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) website: www.nkba.org
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2017. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.